(Hamilton) Sweden, which confirmed first place in Group G on Wednesday, will face the United States, double title holders, in the clash of the knockout stages of the Women’s World Cup next Sunday.
The Scandinavians had already qualified for the knockout phase, before their victory against Argentina (2-0) in Hamilton.
The second ticket went to South Africa, who overthrew Italy (3-2) in extra time, in Wellington.
This is the first qualification for the “Banyana Banyana”, in two participations. They will meet the Netherlands next Sunday.
The first place looks like a poisoned gift for Sweden, the world’s third nation in the FIFA rankings, which inherits the Americans, first, in the next round.
Team USA had a mixed group stage, with one win and two draws, which cast doubt on their ability to score an unprecedented treble.
But star Megan Rapinoe’s teammates haven’t lost a World Cup match since the 2011 edition.
“From a psychological point of view, we know we can beat them. I think the players are convinced of that and so am I,” coach Peter Gerhardsson said.
“It’s better to play the Americans this Sunday, than in the semis or in the final,” he assured.
Sweden beat the USA in their group at the Tokyo Olympics in July 2021 (3-0).
“Even if they weren’t totally 100% (until then at the World Cup, editor’s note), I know that towards the end of the tournament, in the knockout matches, it will be super hard to play them”, estimated the player Sofia Jakobsson.
The Swedes signed a full card (three wins out of three) that only Japan and England achieved in the tournament.
Rebecka Blomqvist (66th) and Elin Rubensson (90th on a penalty shot) scored both goals in a tough game, which the Argentines failed to pack, despite the prospect of possible qualification if successful .
The South Americans, 28th in the FIFA rankings, failed to pass the first round for the fourth time in as many appearances. They have no victories in the competition (3 draws, 9 defeats).
South Africa, reigning African champions, achieved a feat against Italy, favorites for qualification.
Led in the score, they came back in front thanks to Benedetta Orsi (32nd against his camp) and Hildah Magaia (67th) before the equalizer of Arianna Caruso (74th).
Thembi Kgatlana (90th 2) allowed her teammates to snatch a historic qualification, at the expense of the Italians, eliminated.
Jamaica won its first qualification for the round of 16 of a Women’s World Cup, at the expense of star Marta’s Brazil, eliminated after this new poor performance, Wednesday in Melbourne (0-0).
The “Reggae girlz”, with one victory and two draws (5 pts), finished second in group F, behind France (7 pts).
For their second participation in a World Cup, they managed the feat of eliminating regulars from the final table, the Brazilians, who had not experienced such an early exit since 1995.
The players coached by Lorne Donaldson will play their round of 16 next Tuesday against an opponent they will know on Thursday. For the moment, Colombia is best placed to face them.
Beaten 2-1 by France last Saturday, Brazil, third (4 pts), needed a victory to qualify, or a boost from Panama against Les Bleues.
But the 8th nation in the world came up against the defensive wall of the Jamaicans, who did not concede a single goal in the competition. And at the same time, in Sydney, the Panamanians did not perform a miracle (6-3 defeat).
After Canada, this is the second major selection to leave, from the groups, a tournament which has shown that the gap is closing between the established selections and their pursuers.
Holder, star striker Marta played her last match at a World Cup, her sixth, at the age of 37.
She had burst into tears on Tuesday at a press conference when discussing her career and her legacy.
The Orlando player was substituted in the 81st minute, without having had the opportunity to score and thus became the first player, men and women alike, to score in six editions of the World Cup.
